[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 165 (Thursday, August 26, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Pages 46706-46707]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-22171]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Land Management


Notice of Intent to Amend Existing Land Use Plans of the Bureau 
of Land Management (BLM), Northern and Central California Regions, for 
Purposes of Establishing Standards for Land Health

AGENCY: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management.

ACTION: Notice of Intent to amend existing land use plans of the Bureau 
of Land Management (BLM), northern and central California regions, for 
purposes of establishing Standards for Land Health.

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SUMMARY: BLM California recently completed a process to incorporate 
Rangeland Health Standards and Guidelines for Livestock Grazing into 
the existing land use plans of the northern and central California 
regions (Alturas, Arcata, Bakersfield, Eagle Lake, Redding, Surprise, 
Ukiah Field Offices). However, the standards and guidelines were 
limited in scope to BLM's grazing management program.
    This proposal will apply the Rangeland Health Standards to all 
other resource uses and activities through BLM's planning process in 
accordance with 43 CFR 1610. 5-5. All existing land use plans will be 
amended at the same time. BLM anticipates no significant adverse 
environmental effects of implementing this proposal. Since the 
standards will help ensure consistent management of the public lands, 
BLM expects the environmental effects to be positive. BLM will complete 
an environmental assessment (EA) as part of the plan amendment process. 
A separate planning process to establish Land Health Standards for the 
California desert region is expected to be completed in the year 2000.
    The intent of the standards is to provide for a balance of 
sustainable development and multiple use along with progress toward 
attaining healthy, properly functioning ecosystems. The standards will 
be implemented, to the extent feasible, through terms and conditions of 
permits, leases, and other authorizations. BLM authorizations should 
determine whether the standards

[[Page 46707]]

are met, and if not, whether reasonable mitigation measures are 
available which would allow the standards to be met or significant 
progress toward meeting the standards achieved.

DATES: Interested parties may submit comments on the scope of this 
amendment, including suggesting any reasonable alternatives for BLM's 
consideration, identifying possible adverse environmental effects of 
the amendment, or submitting any other suggestions or concerns BLM 
should take into account. Comments on this notice must be received by 
BLM at the following address on or before September 27, 1999.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Land Health Coordinator, U.S.D.I., 
Bureau of Land Management, California State Office, 2800 Cottage Way, 
Sacramento, CA 95825; tel: (916) 978-4400.

    Dated: August 10, 1999.
Carl D. Rountree,
Deputy State Director, Natural Resources.
[FR Doc. 99-22171 Filed 8-25-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-40-P